Electric shaver



C. L.. BAUER ELECTRIC SHAVER Jan. 14, 1969' Sheet Filed May 27, 1966 dWFM Jan. 14, 1969 c. I... BAUER 3,421,215

ELECTRIC SHAVER Filed May 27, 1966 Sheet 2 of 6 MOZQZM deoyef 'e I Q (1- L. BAUER ELECTRIC SHAVER Jan. 14, 1969 Sheet Filed May 27, 1966 mm E L,

Jan. 14, 1969 c. L. BAUER 3,421,215

ELECTRIC SHAVER FiledMay 27, 1966 Sheet 4 of 6 10% D Invenzaf: 640/244, {Ema/Q Q) %saye 1 M I Filed May 27, 1966 Sheet Jan. 14, 1969 c. L. BAUER 3,421,215

ELECTRIC SHAVER $1072 1? Clab filly.

Jan. 14, 1969 c. BAUER 3,421,215

ELECTRIC SHAVER Filed May 27, 1966 hee 6 or a A [nve nfoz 42 I ma Bczuez United States Patent 13 Cim'ms ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An electric shaver of the oscillating cutter type wherein the removable shaving head includes a flexible skin engaging member which provides two spaced parallel cutting surfaces engageable by oscillating cutting blades. By means of a dovetailed arrangement, the cutting head is releasable from the drive means by a mere sliding movement. Means for dispensing a friction reducing substance at the cutting surface is provided with means to insure that it is simultaneously connected and disconnected as the head is applied or removed. The connections and disconnections are accomplished by mere sliding movement of the cutting head by virtue of the dovetailed arrangement. A compact motor structure is embodied in the shaver casing so as to permit room for a container holding the friction reducing substance.

The present invention relates to electric dry shavers and, more particularly, to improved apparatus for dispensing a friction reducing substance or guide agent onto the skin of a user while shaving with such a dry shaver.

Electric dry shavers, as distinguished from wet type razors, are very widely used and their popularity is constantly increasing. This is largely due to the ease and convenience of shaving with a dry shaver. In contrast to the conventional wet type razor with which it is necessary to use lather, towels, water, etc., a dry shaver can be used conveniently when the user is fully dressed. Obviously, shaving with a razor of the wet type cannot be accomplished conveniently when the user is fully dressed.

One problem which may arise in connection with the use of electric dry shavers is possible excessive friction between the shaving head of the shaver and the skin of the user. If the users skin is dry, it may happen that the friction between the skin and shaver makes it difficult to glide the shaving head smoothly over the skin during the shaving operation. One suggestion that has been advanced to overcome this problem is to wet the face before shaving with water or with an especially prepared lubricating liquid. Unfortunately, water or other liquids used for this purpose dry quickly and any lubricating effect essentially disappears before the shaving operation is completed.

In view of this difiiculty, it has been suggested that a suitable friction reducing substance or glide agent, such as a liquid or a powder, be applied to the skin of the user periodically throughout the shaving process. For example, in Werft Patent No. 3,103,299 and Gwinn Patent No. 3,176,392, both assigned to the same assignee as the present application, there are described electric shavers including means for supplying a friction reducing liquid or powder and periodically dispensing the glide agent from the shaving head onto the face of the user. Moreover, in Gwinn application Ser. No. 432,687, filed Feb. 15, 1965, which has matured into Patent No. 3,299,506, granted Jan. 24, 1967, and assigned to the same assignee as the present application, there is disclosed an electric shaver wherein the friction reducing material is introduced within the shaving head and communicates with the shaving surface of the shaving head through openings or perforations. Thus, throughout the shaving process the friction reducing substance gradually travels by seepage or capillary type action onto the skin of the user.

Although the arrangements disclosed in those patents 3,421,215 Patented Jan. 14, 1969 and application are suitable for their intended purposes, it has been found that it may be difiicult for the user of the shaver to apply the proper amount of friction reducing material onto the proper areas of the face during shaving.

Another difficulty which has been experienced with many of the prior electric shavers is in the cleaning of the cutter head unit. The cutter head units of electric shavers can generally be opened to permit brushing accumulated hairs from the cutting structure. Such regular cleaning of the cutting head is satisfactory for many purposes. However, it would be desirable if the entire head of the shaver could be rinsed occasionally under the faucet for periodic cleaning thereof. This is particularly desirable when the shaver is used with friction reducing materials which may collect in the cutter head and adversely affect the operation thereof. Normally clipped hair or hair particles are readily brushed or blown from the cutting head of a shaver. Because of the viscous nature of the friction reducing materials which may be used in many instances, there is a tendency for the friction reducing materials to hold the hair particles in the corners and crevices of the shaving head whereby a deposit builds up which could seriously interfere with the operation of the moving parts. The force of the water from the faucet tends to dislodge this deposit and has the advantage, of course, of being capable of being directed into crevices which might otherwise be difficult to reach for cleaning purposes. Moreover, such cleaning of the cutting head unit is desirable in ordinary electric shavers whether or not the shaver is used with such friction reducing agents. It would be particularly desirable that the cutting head unit of the shaver be removable from the power unit thereof so that the entire cutting head assembly may be placed under the faucet without damaging the power unit of the shaver.

One difliculty in removing the entire cutting head assembly of the shaver is that the cutting head unit of the shaver generally includes a pair of relatively movable cutter members, one of which is connected to a suitable motor means by suitable connector means. A problem is presented upon reassembly of the cutter head in obtaining proper connection between the movable cutter member and the drive means of the motor.

A further difficulty in using an otherwise conventional electric shaver with a friction reducing agent is that the friction reducing agent can work its way into the electrical system, for example the motor and control switch, and cause corrosion and otherwise damage the electrical components. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a power unit for an electric shaver which is not readily affected by fluid reducing agents, water and the like.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the electric shaver should comfortably fit the hand of the user. At the same time, it is desirable in an electric shaver which dispenses a friction reducing agent that the shaver be self-contained with a supply of such friction reducing agent and be capable of dispensing the friction reducing agent.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved electric shaver which overcomes the above-mentioned difiiculties.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver including novel means for applying a friction reducing agent onto the surface from which the hair is to be removed.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved electric shaver including novel means for applying a friction reducing agent at a rate determined by the user.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver including improved means for dispensing a friction reducing agent onto the skin being shaved during the shaving operation without discontinuing the shaving operation.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver which is completely self-contained and which includes means for dispensing a friction reducing agent.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an electric shaver wherein the cutting head unit thereof may be rinsed under a faucet or spigot for cleaning thereof.

Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver wherein the cutting head unit thereof is readily removable for cleaning and which may be readily reassembled by the mere reassembly of the cutting head unit with the power unit.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver wherein the electrical components thereof are protected from damage by water and other agents.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver wherein the electrical portions of the motor and controls are hermetically encapsulated.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved electric shaver provided with a selfcontained reservoir for friction reducing fluid and having a casing sufficiently small to comfortably fit into the hand of the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electric shaver with a new and improved drive means which permits a more compact casing to more readily fit in the hand of the user.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds, and the features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric shaver according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the shaver of FIG. 1 with the cutting head unit thereof in the process of being removed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cutting head unit of the shaver of FIG. 1 illustrated with the components thereof partially removed and disassembled for cleaning;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shaver of FIG. 1 illustrated with the cutting head unit thereof removed;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the shaver taken along line 55 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the shaver taken along line 66 of FIG. 5 assuming that FIG. 5 shows the complete structure and generally illustrating the underside of the cutting head unit;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the shaver taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5 again assuming FIG. 5 shows the complete structure and illustrating the arrangement of the supply and dispensing components for the friction reducing agent;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the shaver taken along line 88 of FIG. 5 again assuming FIG. 5 shows the complete structure and illustrating the assembled relationship between the cutting head unit and the power unit;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the head and head support structure omitting the comb and cutter blades of the shaver;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the chassis member of the cutting head of the shaver;

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the shaver taken along line 1111 of FIG. 5, again assuming that FIG. 5 shows the complete structure; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the connecting rod of the shaver.

Briefly, the present invention comprises an electric shaver having a shaving head unit which is readily removable from the power unit thereof so that the shaving head unit may readily be rinsed under the faucet for cleaning. The shaving head unit includes a cutter support member and a pair of relatively movable cutter members including perforated skin engaging members. One of the relatively movable cutter members is provided with an offset projection which defines a driving crank. The power unit includes a motor and drive connecting means interconnecting the motor With the cutter member. In accordance with the present invention, the drive means is automatically releasable upon the mere separation of the cutter head unit from the power unit of the shaver and is automatically engageable upon the mere assembly of the cutter head unit with the power unit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the electric shaver is provided with a self-contained supply and dispensing arrangement for dispensing a friction reducing agent onto the skin of the user. To this end there is provided a reservoir within the casing of the power unit, and a dispensing pump mechanism is provided which can manually be actuated by the user during a shaving operation. The friction reducing agent is dispersed through suitable dispersing means carried on the shaving head unit. A releasable conduit connection interconnects the dispensing means on the shaving head unit and the dispensing pump. Such releasable conduit connection is automatically separable upon removal of the cutting head unit from the power unit and is automatically engageable upon reassembly of the cutting head unit with the power unit.

According to another feature of the present invention, the electrical components of the motor and controls are hermetically encapsulated to protect the electrical system from damage by water, friction reducing agent or other harmful materials.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the motor means is provided with a laminated stator structure and a cooperating rocking or angularly oscillatory armature, and the drive means interconnecting the motor and the cutting head unit is secured to the armature adjacent to and on the same side of its pivot as the laminated stator structure so as to reduce the overall length of the motor and drive mechanism and permit a small and compact power unit which will readily fit within the hand of the user.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated an electric shaver designated generally as 10 incorporating the features of the present invention. The shaver 10, as illustrated, comprises a power unit 11 having associated therewith a shaving head or cutting head unit generally designated at 12. The specific shaving head unit 12 illustrated includes a perforated comb 13 hinged to suitable cutting head support means comprising a head cap 14, and chassis member 17. The shaving head also includes movable cutting means comprising one or more blades 15 mounted for oscillatory movement in shearing engagement with the inside surface of the comb 13. The head cap 14 is actually defined by a pair of spaced side rails 14a, a center member 14b and a pair of upwardly extending end portions 14c and 14d. The rails 14a and center member 14b are in spaced parallel relationship. The chassis member 17 is secured to the head cap 14 by suitable fastening means such as screws 16, FIG. 6. To provide for a closely fitting connection between the head cap 14 and the chassis member 17, the respective members are joined along their side edges by interfitting portions best shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. More specifically the chassis member 17 includes a central relatively flat portion 17a which is provided along its edges with groove defining upwardly directed projections 17b (FIGS. 8, 9 and 10). The chassis member 17 also includes adjacent the ends thereof with upwardly directed projections 17c and 17d which interfit with downwardly directed projections 14c and 14 on head cap 14. Along the edges of rail portions 14:: are longitudinally extending downwardly directed grooves 27 for receiving therein the projections 17b as best shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.

A suitable prime mover or motor means 18 is disposed within a casing 19 to provide relative movement between the blades and the comb 13. The casing 19 is constructed of two casing sections 19a and 19b which enclose the power unit components. The casing sections 19a and 1% are held together at their lower edge by a spring clip 20 provided with spring projections 20a extending through suitable apertures in the respective casing sections 19a, 1%. Moreover, the casing sections 19:: and 1915 are secured together at their upper end by suitable fastening means specifically illustrated as screws 21.

Referring now to the shaving head unit 12 (best illusstrated in FIGS. 8 and 9) the cutting portion of this unit may be of any well-known construction and, as shown, is similar to that illustrated in copending Bauer application Ser. No. 553,393, filed May 27, 1966, and assigned to the same assignee as the instant application. As therein illustrated the comb 13 is defined by a pair of joined arcuate perforated sections 13a and 13b cooperating with the plurality of blades 15 carried by a pair of rocking or angularly oscillating shafts 22 and 23. The shafts 22 and 23 each carry a plurality of U-shaped blade supports 26, FIG. 9, having upwardly extending legs 26a provided with slots 26b to receive the blades in a manner tinderstood in the art. The oscillating shafts 22 and 23 are each mounted in a pair of spaced blocks of resilient material 24- and 25 defining energy storage means and bonded thereto. The oscillating shafts 22 and 23 are each adapted to be driven through suitable driving means by the motor 18. To provide for a driving connection between the oscillating shafts 22 and 23 and the motor 18, each of the oscillating shafts 22 and 23 is provided with an offset projection 22a and 23a respectively (FIG. 11) which olfet projections define a pair of cranks.

As best illustrated in FIG. 8 of the drawings, the comb 13 comprises a cutting surface formed of very thin flexible material perforated by one or more punching operations with a large number of hair receiving openings par ticularly well adapted for receiving short beard hairs and may, additionally, be provided with a plurality of elongated slots having serrations or teeth along the edges thereof for receiving longer hairs. Flanking the cutting area are a plurality of relatively large openings effectively disposed adjacent the lower end of the comb which are hair discharge openings. Since the cutting surface of the comb is formed of relatively thin material, it tends to conform tothe shape of the surface with which it is in contact and, therefore, must be supported by a suitable supporting structure or frame generally designated as 28 comprising a plurality of parallel double arcuate ribs spaced from one another in a direction running along the longitudinal axis of the cutting blades 15. The comb 13 is suitably fastened at its edges to the supporting frame 28 as by welding. Moreover, in order to stretch the cutting surface 13 tightly over the supporting frame 28 and to define the central depressed portion of the arcuate sections, there is provided a trough-shaped retainer 29, FIG. 8, defining a comb tightener. A pair of retaining spring pins 38, FIG. 5, of generally U-shaped bias the comb 13 into engagement with the frame 28.

For retaining the comb 13 in assembled relation to the cutter support member 14, there is provided a comb lock spring 32, FIGS. 8 and 9, clamped between the center member 14b of head cap 14 and the corresponding center portion 17a of the chassis member 17. A movable comb hinge plate 34 is pivoted at its lower end to one side of the comb lock spring 32 and its lower end is generally hook-shaped and latched over one end of a downwardly depending flange of the comb lock spring 32. A comb latch plate 35 disposed on the opposite side from the comb hinge plate 34 also has a lower end forming a generally upwardly extending hook latched over a downwardly extending flange on the comb lock spring 32 and is further provided with a latch member 36 extending through a suitable latch opening in the supporting frame 28 thereby to fasten the comb 13 in place in the cutting head unit 12. The comb hinge plate and comb latch plate may be similar to that more fully described in Jepson et a1. Patent No. 3,196,539. It will be understood that the comb 13 may be unlatched from the latch member 36 and opened, as illustrated in FIG. 3, for the purpose of cleaning hair which might get down into a cutting chamber 38.

For the purpose of cutting longer hair, such as sideburns, whiskers and the like, there is provided a trimmer cutter generally represented as 37 and best illustrated in FIG. 5. The trimmer cutter 37 is more fully described in the aforementioned copending Bauer application Ser. No. 553,393. Briefly, the trimmer cutter 37 includes a trimming cornb 370 provided with suitable projections or teeth for receiving comparatively long hairs. A cooperating trimming cutter 39 is positioned against the inner surface of the trimming comb 37a and is provided with cutting teeth to cut hairs received between the teeth of the trimming comb 37a. The trimming cutter 39 is reciprocal relative to the trimming comb 37a and is readily driven by the motor 18 through the provision of an angularly extending projection 23b defined on the end of the cutter shaft 23 remote from offset projection 23a (FIG. 11).

In accordance with one feature of the present invention, the motor 18 is of the type having an armature providing rocking or angularly oscillatory movement, and a single connecting rod 40 drivingly interconnects the motor 18 and the oscillating shafts 22 and 23. More specifically, the motor 18 is formed with a laminated generally U-shaped stator structure 41, FIG. 5, carrying an alternating current winding 42 and defining a pair of spaced stator poles 41a, 41b. The stator structure 41 is secured within the casing 19 of the power unit 11 in any suitable manner, as by fasteners 43. Additionally, the motor 18 includes an armature structure 46 having a generally arcuate portion defining a pair of spaced armature poles 46a, 45b magnetically affected by the corresponding stator poles 41a, 41b. The armature structure 46 is pivoted about a pivot pin 48 remote from the stator structure 41. A pair of opposed centering springs 49 act between an armature housing 58 and the armature structure 46 to provide biasing load to the armature structure 46 and at the same time to be effective to return the armature structure 46 to its deenergized position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, corresponding to a centered position of the cranks 22a, 23a on the respective oscillating shafts 22 and 23. Energization of the winding 42 is effective rapidly to rock oscillatorily the armature structure 46 about the position illustrated in FIG. 5.

The connecting rod 40 as best illustrated in FIGS. 5, 11 and 21, of the drawings, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, is of generally yoke or fork shape provided with a pair of depending spaced legs 40a, which legs straddle the armature housing 50, one of the springs 49 and a portion of the armature structure 45. The ends of the legs 40a are notched as indicated at 52a to snap into engagement with respective ones of a pair of drive pins 51 on the armature structure 46. The other portion of the connecting rod 48 includes an upwardly directed bifurcated portion defining a pair of crank arms 4% provided with suitable apertures 52b for receiving the respective offset projections or cranks 22a and 23a. The lower legs 48a of the connecting rod 40 are secured to the armature structure 46 adjacent to and on the same side of the pivot pin 48 as the laminated stator structure 41 so as to provide a shorter overall length of the motor 18 and to permit the use of a small casing 19 for the power unit 11 which will comfortably conform to the hand of the user. Because of the variation in spacing between the offset projections 22a and 23a of the oscillating shafts 22 and 23, the bifurcations 49b on the connecting rod 40 must flex to accommodate this variation as the shafts 22 and 23 are oscillating. Accordingly the connecting rod is made of suitably resilient or springy material, such as molded nylon, and the arms 49b have a reduced cross sectional area, FIGS. 11 and 12, where they join with the legs 40a to permit the desired flexing of the arms 4011.

In order to connect the motor 13 to a source of power, there is provided terminal means generally illustrated as 55, FIG. 5, and including a pair of male prongs 56 recessed in a cavity 57 opening through an aperture 58 in one end of the casing 19. A somewhat oval-shaped sealing ring 59 provided with an inwardly projecting sealing flange 59a encircles the prongs 56. The terminal means are adapted to receive a suitable connector (not shown) of known design which will tightly seal against the flange 59a of the sealing ring 59 hermetically to enclose the prongs 56 to protect them from water and other contaminants.

For controlling the motor 18, there is provided a hermetically enclosed switch generally illustrated as 62 and including an encapsulated magnetic reed element 63 con- 56. Moreover, to completely protect the electrical system of the shaver 10, all exposed contacts, terminals and the like are coated with suitable hermetic insulating material.

In order to provide a self-contained source of friction reducing substance to the skin, there is provided within the casing 19 a supply system for friction reducing agent. More specifically, there is provided an expandable reservoir 71 for storing the friction reducing agent defined in part by a somewhat cup-shaped nylon container 72 open at one end as indicated at 72a, FIG. 7, which end is closed by a somewhat cup-shaped flexible diaphragm 74. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, the diaphragm 74 includes an outwardly extending flange 74a entirely around its periphery and has a movable wall 74b connected to the flange 74a by a flexible wall 74c which in the normal or filled positions would take on the configuration of a bellows. The flange 74a of the diaphragm 74 is sealed between the edge of the container 72 and the edge of a cup-shaped recess 75 in the casing 19 to define an air pocket providing expansion room therefor.

For the purpose of filling the reservoir 71, the container 72 is provided with a neck or filler portion 72b aligned with a suitable opening 76 in the bottom of the casing 19. A hinged stopper 77 extends through the opening '76 and closes the neck 72b of the container 72.

To provide for dispersing the friction reducing fluid contained within the reservoir 71, there is provided suitable pump means generally illustrated at 68, FIGS. 5 and 7, including a pump chamber 79 communicating with the friction reducing agent in the reservoir 71 through a check valve 81. With this arrangement, flow of friction reducing agent from the reservoir 71 to the pump chamber 79 is permitted. A second check valve 82 is connected to the outlet from pump chamber 79. As illustrated, the pump chamber 79 is defined in part by a flexible pump element 83. Depression of the flexible element 83 through a manually operable pump actuator 84 is effective to reduce the volume of the pump chamber 79 to discharge friction reducing agent therefrom. Of course, it is understood that upon release of the pump actuator 84 and flexible element 83 will return to the position illustrated in FIG. 7 thereby creating a vacuum in the pump chamber 79 into which friction reducing fluid flows from the reservoir 71 through an intake tube 85.

To provide for dispensing the friction reducing agent onto the skin of the user, the shaving head unit 12 carries a suitable dispensing means generally illustrated as 88 and best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 8. The dispensing means 88 includes a distribution channel member 89 secured to the comb 13 by means of the pins 30. The distribution channel member 89 is generally trough-shaped with spaced Lil) 8 walls 91 FIG. 5, within the trough thereby defining a distribution chamber 91. Moreover, the upper open edge of the distribution channel member 89 terminates in somewhat radial side surfaces 89a, FIG. 8, to define more or less a dovetail. A distribution cover 92 covers the distribution channel member 89 and is provided with radially inwardly extending edge flanges 92a adapted to interlock over the dovetail structure defined by the radial side surfaces 89a of the distribution channel member 89. The center portion of the distribution cover 92 covering over the distribution chamber 91 is provided with suitable perforations 93 to allow for the discharge of friction reducing fluid. The distribution cover 92 can readily be slid off the distribution channel member 89, as indicated in FIG. 3, to provide for cleaning. The use of more viscous friction reducing agents may make more frequent cleaning of the shaving head desirable. To this end there is provided a tab 94 to aid in the removal of the distribution cover 92.

For the purpose of permitting pivotal movement of the comb 13 relative to the cutting head support means and at the same time automatically to disconnect and connect the distribution channel member 89 to the supply conduit from the supply system 70, the distribution channel member 89 includes a projecting tube 98 having a somewhat tapered outer surface engageable within an opening 99 in a resilient connector 161'} extending through the center portion 14b of head cap '14. The resilient connector 1% has a somewhat inverted flange M around the opening 99 to provide a sealing connection with the projecting tube 98. It will be understood that upon the opening movement of the comb 13 to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 the projecting tube 98 will withdraw from the opening 99. Upon the closing of the comb 13, the projecting tube 98 will automatically position within the opening 99 to connect the distribution channel member 89 with the resilient connector 100.

In order to insure ready removal of the shaving head unit 12 from the power unit 11, there is provided suitable releasable means interconnecting the units. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable means includes an upwardly projecting dovetail shaped tongue 104 on the power unit 11, and a cooperating dovetail shaped groove defined in the underside of the chassis member -17. This arrangement provides a sliding interlock between the shaving head unit 12 and the power unit 11. The dovetail shaped tongue 104 and cooperating groove 165 are of known design including a reduced neck portion 104a defined below opposed longitudinal projections 104b, and the dovetail shaped groove including opposed recesses 105a for receiving the projections 1041).

To prevent accidental disassembly of the shaving head unit 12 from the power unit 11, a suitable latch assembly interconnecting the units is provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the latch assembly includes a C clamp 108, FIGS. 6 and 9, of spring material secured to the underside of chassis member 17 by some of the fastening means 16 and engageable in suitable notches 109 defined in one end of the dovetail shaped tongue 104.

For automatically connecting the dispensing means 88 with the supply system 71 upon asembly of the shaving head unit 12 in the power unit 11 and for automatically disconnecting the dispensing means 88 from the supply system 79 upon disassembly of the shaving head unit 12 with the power unit 1 1, there is provided a dispensing conduit 112 having a connector portion 113 extending longitudinally relative to the dovetail shaped tongue 104 on the power unit 11 and terminating in a tapered end section which is receivable within an opening 10Gb in the resilient connector 1% upon mere asembly of these units.

It will be recognized that the oscillating shafts 22 and 23 are always returned to a centered position by their supports of resilient material 24 and 25 so that the cranks 22a and 23a are always aligned for reception into the apertures 52b of the connecting rod 40. In this manner the shaving head unit 12 can be removed from the power unit 11 by merely pulling the shaving head unit 12 longitudinally of the power unit against the latching force of the C clamp 108. Moreover, upon reassembly of the shaving head unit 12 and the power unit 11, the dispensing conduit 112 will automatically connect with the resilient conector 1% and the cranks 22a and 23a will automatically connect with the connecting rod 40.

From the foregoing detailed description, the operation of the friction reducing agent dispensing shaver is believed clear. Briefly, however, it will be understood that the reservoir 71 will be filled with suitable friction reducing medium. One filling of the reservoir 71 will normally be adequate to last for several shaves, depending upon the habits of the user. Pressing of the pump actuator 84 will be effective to pump the friction reducing medium from the reservoir 71 through the delivery conduits including the resilient connector 100 and into the distribution chamber 91. From the distribution chamber, it will pass through the perforations 93 in the distribution cover 92 against the skin of the user. Moreover, the comb 13 can readily be opened from the shaving head unit 12 merely by unlatching the comb latch plate and raising the comb 13, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In this manner small chips of hair can be cleaned readily from the cutting chamber 33. Additionally, the distribution cover 92 may readily he slid off the distribution channel 89 to provide for cleaning of this structure. Mere lifting of the comb 13 is effective to withdraw the projecting tube 98 of the distribution channel member 89 from the flexible connector 109. Moreover, mere closing of the comb 13 is effective to connect the projecting tube 98 with the resilient connector 100.

Although the small clippings of hair and beard can readily be cleaned from the chamber 38, it may be desirable occasionally to rinse the shaving head unit 12 under the faucet. This can readily be accomplished merely by pulling the shaving head unit 12 to the left, as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 2, so as to unlatch the C clamp 168 and thereby removing the shaving head unit 12. Reassembly of the shaving head unit 12 with the power unit 11 is elfectivet o connect the delivery conduits for the friction reducing medium by engaging the connector portion 113 of the dispensing conduit 112 with the resilient connector 119. Simultaneously the cranks 22a and 23a will be received within apertures 52b in the connecting rod arms of bifurcations 40b. The cranks 22a and 23a always will be in alignment with the openings or apertures 52b due to the centering effect of the blocks of resilient material 24 and 25 and also due to the centering eifect brought about by the bias of the centering springs 49.

Moreover, the hermetically encapsulated motor and controls including the encapsulated switch 62 provides protection for the electrical system of the shaver from water or other medium such as the friction reducing agent. Advantageously, the positioning of the connecting rod 46 between the pivot pin 48 and the stator field structure 41 permits an electric shaver of minimum length which will comfortably 'fit the hand of the user.

While there has been illustrated and described a particular embodiment of the present invention, it will be apparent that numerous changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. For example, although the invention has been described in connection with a dry shaver of the oscillating type, features of the invention could be used in reciprocating or rotary type shavers without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, it is contemplated 'by the appended claims to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is: r

1. An electric shaver comprising a casing, a shaving head unit associated with said casing including cutter support means and a pair of relatively movable cutter members, one of which defines an elongated perforated skin engaging member and the other of which defines an oscillating cutter oscillating in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said perforated skin engaging member, motor means within said casing, means releasably interconnecting said shaving head unit and said casing, said last mentioned means permitting relative movement between said shaving head unit and said casing only along said longitudinal axis, and releasable drive means interconnecting said motor means and at least one of said cutter members automatically engageable upon relative movement between said shaving head unit and said casing in one direction along said axis and automatically releasable upon relative movement of said shaving head and said casing in said other direction along said axis.

2. An electric shaver comprising a casing, a shaving head unit associated with said casing including cutter support means and a pair of relatively movable cutter members, one of Which defines a perforated skin engaging member, motor means within said casing, connecting means releasably interconnecting said shaving head unit and said casing, one of said movable cutter members including a projecting portion biased to a centered position, drive means including connector means for receiving said projecting portion, said connector means and said projecting portion being automatically releasable upon relative movement between said shaving head unit and said casing, and means biasing said connector means to a centered position so that said projecting portion and said connector means are always automatically aligned during assembly of said shaving head unit with said casing.

3. The electric shaver of claim 2 wherein said conecting means comprises a tongue and groove mechanism defining a dovetail arrangement.

4. An electric shaver as set forth in claim 3 wherein the tongue of said tongue and groove mechanism is provided adjacent its end with opposed indentations, and clamping means are provided on said head unit engageable with said opposed indentations to releasably latch said shaving head unit to said casing.

5. The electric shaver of claim 3 wherein said head unit includes dispensing means for dispensing a friction reducing agent, supply means within said casing for supplying a friction reducing agent, a first conduit in said casing for conveying friction reducing agent terminating in a first conduit portion extending out of said casing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tongue of said tongue and groove mechanism, and a second conduit for conveying said friction reducing agent terminating in a second conduit portion axially aligned with said first conduit portion and engageable therewith when said head unit and said casing are assembled thereby to interconnect said dispensing means and said supply means.

6. An electric shaver comprising a casing, a shaving head unit associated with said casing including cutter support means and a pair of relatively movable cutter members, one of which defines a perforated skin engaging member, motor means within said casing, connecting means releasably interconnecting said shaving head unit and said casing whereby said shaving head unit is movable relative to said casing only along the longitudinal axis of said perforated skin engaging member, releasable drive means interconnecting said motor means and said cutter members automatically engageable upon relative movement along said axis between said shaving head unit and said casing and automatically releasable upon relative movement along said axis between said shaving head unit and said casing, dispensing means associated with said shaving head unit for dispensing a friction reducing agent, and supply means associated with said casing for supplying a friction reducing agent, said dispensing means and said supply means being connectable and separable upon relative movement along said axis of said shaving head unit and said casing.

7. An electric shaver comprising a casing, a shaving head unit associated with said casing including cutter support means and a pair of relatively movable cutter members, one of which defines a perforated skin engaging member, motor means within said casing, connecting means releasably interconnecting said shaving head unit and said casing, one of said movable cutter members including a crank projection biased to a centered position, drive means including connector means for receiving said crank projection, said connector means and said crank projection being automatically releasable upon relative movement between said shaving head unit and said casing, and means biasing said connector means to a centered position so that said crank projection and said connector means are always automatically aligned during assembly of said shaving head unit with said casing.

8. An electric shaver comprising a casing, an electric motor in said casing, supply means for supplying a friction reducing agent, a shaving head unit including a cutter support member and a pair of relatively movable cutter members including a perforated skin engaging member, and dispensing means carried by said shaving head unit and including a distribution channel member, means for connecting said distribution channel member to said supply means, and a removable dispensing plate covering said channel member, said perforated skin engaging member being formed by two joining arcuate perforated sections defining a recessed portion therebetween, said distribution channel member being positioned in said recessed portion.

9. An electric shaver as set forth in claim 8 wherein said perforated skin engaging member is hinged relative to said cutter support member to permit opening said member for cleaning the interior of said shaving head unit, a resilient conduit means extending through said cutter support member for connecting said distribution channel member to said supply means, and said distribution channel member includes a short nipple engageable with said resilient conduit means upon the mere moving of said perforated skin engaging member to its closed position.

10. An electric shaver comprising a casing, an electric motor in said casing, supply means in said casing for a friction reducing agent and including an expandable chamber defining a reservoir, pump means for said agent communicating with said chamber, and a shaving head unit including a cutter support member and a pair of relatively movable cutter members including a perforated skin engaging member, dispensing means carried by said shaving head unit, conduit means connecting said dispensing means with said pump means, said pump means including a pump chamber, manually actuable means for varying the volume of said pump chamber, and a pair of check valves communicating with said pump chamber, one of said check valves connected to permit flow from said reservoir to said pump chamber and the other of said valves connected to permit flow from pump chamber to said conduit means.

11. An electric shaver comprising a power unit, a shaving head unit operatively connected to said power unit and including a cutter support member, a comb frame carried by said support member defined by a plurality of parallel frame ribs spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of said shaving head unit and each formed by two joining arcuate sections providing a recessed portion therebetween, a perforated skin engaging comb member fastened at its edges to said comb frame, an elongated distribution channel member for dispensing a friction reducing agent positioned over said comb member along said recessed portion, tightening means biasing said channel inwardly into said recessed portion to tighten said comb member over said comb frame to define a comb member having tWo joining arcuate sections, and a pair of movable cutter members each including blade means relatively movable against respective ones of the joining arcuate sections of said comb member.

12. An electric shaver comprising a casing, a shaving head unit detachably associated with said casing including a support member, a perforated comb and an oscillating blade, said shaving head unit also including a carrier for said blade comprising an oscillatory blade supporting shaft and means for supporting said shaft for limited arcuate movement, said shaving head unit further including spring means for biasing said blade into shearing engagement with said comb, an electric motor disposed within said casing, drive linkage interconnecting said motor and said oscillating shaft, and means for readily connecting and disconnecting said shaft from said drive linkage upon mere relative movement between said shaving head unit and said casing one or both of said oscillating shaft and said drive linkage have locating means to ensure proper orientation at the time the driving connection is being made whereby when said shaving head unit and said casing are associated with each other said shaft is in driven engagement with said motor.

13. The electric shaver of claim 2 wherein said one movable cutter member including said projecting portion biased to a centered position includes an oscillating shaft and energy storage means of resilient material surrounding said oscillating shaft and bonded thereto, said resilient material urging said projecting portion to said centered position.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,186,093 1/1940 Benner 30-4392 2,238,390 4/1941 Knopp 30-4392 X 2,509,868 5/1950 Irngang 30-4392 2,742,694 4/ 1956 Stone 30-435 2,474,027 6/1949 Berger 30-436 X 2,802,260 8/1957 Allen 30-436 X 2,844,869 7/1958 Kahn 30-4392 3,176,392 4/1965 Gwinn 30-41 3,191,299 6/1965 Locke 30-4392 3,191,300 6/1965 Locke 30-4392 3,206,850 9/1965 Jepson 30-439 3,218,708 11/ 1965 Spohr 30-4392 3,325,893 6/1967 Trouilhet 30-4392 3,252,217 5/1966 Werft 30-4l 3,332,146 7/1967 Kratz 30-4392 1,350,717 8/1920 Fusch 30-439 2,094,651 10/ 1937/- 'Hammerling 30-439 2,236,159 3/1941 Romao 30-439 2,296,093 9/ 1942 Dalkowitz 30-439 3,176,097 3/1965 Wood 335-205 X 3,305,805 2/1967 Tann 335-205 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,137,653 10/1962 Germany.

718,067 11/ 1954 Great Britain.

MYRON C. KRUSE, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 

